Tynecastle sets the tone - JD

Jermain Defoe cited the team's movement as key to a vital win in our season-opener at Hearts.

Jermain Defoe cited the team's movement as key to a vital win in our season-opener at Hearts.

The striker took just 13 minutes to open his account for 2011-12 when he gathered Aaron Lennon's pass and slotted home from 10 yards in the Europa League play-off, first leg at Tynecastle.

We were already 1-0 up by then after Rafa van der Vaart's fine strike and it was soon 3-0 with another fine goal from Jake Livermore.

All three goals were created with slick passing moves as we took a grip on the game and dampened the electric atmosphere in Edinburgh.

Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon completed the scoring in the second half for a 5-0 lead in the tie.

'JD' had spoken during the build-up to the game about how important it was to start off with a positive performance.

"We knew it would be a difficult game at Hearts," he said.

"The atmosphere was fantastic, they are a tough side to play against but I thought it was important for us to be professional and try and set a tempo where we pressed high and when we got the ball, to keep it, which we did.

"The movement in the first half was fantastic. All week in training we made sure that everyone moved off the ball and we got the goals which was great.

"It was our first game of the season and, like I said, it was important to be professional and win the game and we did that."